 GARCIA, NINO July 16, 1934 - July 28 , 2014 Nino Garcia, a native resident of Albuquerque, whose musical career spanned from Barelas to Broadway, suffered a cardiac arrest on July 28, 2014 while on vacation in Madrid, Spain. Nino was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Saturnino (Nino) and Louisa (Lua) Garcia. From an early age, it was noted that he was musically gifted in voice, piano and dance. He received his education in Albuquerque, graduating with a BFA & MA in piano & voice from the University of New Mexico. Nino also served in the US Army, where he was transferred to the US Army Band. Upon his discharge, he went to New York City with his duffle bag & $99. He further enhanced his musical skills by studying at the Julliard School of Music; Modern Dance from Martha Graham; Spanish Dance from Mariquita Flores; acting under Mr. Sanford Meisner; voice by Lily Wexberg & Vera Byrne; and mastering the pipe organ under Dr. Paul-Martin Marki, Richard Amend, Nina Ancona, and Wesley Selby. Nino's early professional musical career started as a Tenor, pianist, Flamenco dancer, and Musical Director for many performers both in the United States & abroad. On one trip to Italy, Nino met Broadway & International Star, Patti LuPone. Last year, when she performed in Santa Fe, she greeted Nino & his guests with open arms. Nino was a Tenor for the New York City Opera Company from 1966-1973. He made it to the top in 1973, when the Metropolitan Opera Company in New York City, hired him as a Full time member of their Chorus. He retired from the Met after 30 years, and returned to his home in Albuquerque to play the organ professionally. At the time of his death, he was the Organist and Choir Director for the First Presbyterian Church in Belen. Nino was preceded in death by his parents and brother Andrew L. Garcia, Captain USN (Ret). He is survived by his brother Ernie Candelaria; his sister Kathryn Garcia & her children Cindy, Rob & Nina; his sister-in-law Vickie Garcia & children Andy, Steve, Mike, Tom & Theresa; as well as many great- nieces & nephews, cousins, and hundreds of friends around the world. Nino loved life and did not want us to cry---he wanted us to celebrate his life. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, 412 Stover Avenue SW, ALB on Saturday, September 6th, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.
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